Expectant Mothers' Colds May Affect Baby

TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The more colds and
other viral infections a woman has during pregnancy, the more
likely her child is to have asthma, researchers report.

The new study included 513 pregnant women in Germany and their
526 babies. The mothers completed questionnaires during pregnancy,
when the children were 3 months old, 12 months old and every year
until the children reached age 5.

The researchers concluded that a mother's level of exposure to
viral infections and bacteria during pregnancy affect the
environment in the womb, and therefore the baby's risk of
developing asthma and allergies in childhood.

The study is published in the February issue of the
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"In addition, these same children that had early exposure to allergens, such as house dust and pet dander, had increased odds of becoming sensitized by age 5," journal deputy editor Dr. Mitch Grayson said in a journal news release.

"When dust mites from the mother and child's mattresses were examined, children with high dust mite exposure yet low bacteria exposure were more likely to be allergic to dust mites than those with low mite exposure and high bacteria contact," he added.

Of the families in the study, 61 percent had a parent with
asthma, hay fever or eczema.

According to Dr. Michael Foggs, president of the American
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, "We know that allergy
and asthma can develop in the womb since genetics play a factor in
both diseases."

But, he explained in the news release, "this study sheds light
about how a mother's environment during pregnancy can begin
affecting the child before birth."

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more
about
asthma in kids.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.